 |  |  | | The Reproductive Rights Team invites you to an upcoming book talk and conversation about Black feminist resistance and reproductive justice with two fantastic scholars.
Friday, April 17, 11am to 1pm
Kuumba Juice + Coffee, 274 E Keefe Ave, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53212
While calling this a “book talk,” and the conversation will stem from Dr. Falu’s book Unseen Flesh: Gynecology and Black Queer Worth-Making in Brazil and Dr. McCormick’s book We Are Pregnant with Freedom: Black Feminist Storytelling for Reproductive Justice, it is absolutely not required that folks read the books in order to attend or partake fully.
This event is sponsored by UWM Center for 21st Century Studies’ Reproductive Justice Working Group to create a space where researchers at UWM and reproductive justice community advocates in Milwaukee can work together to address systemic injustices disproportionately affecting Black, Latinx, and other women and trans people of color.
This event is free and open to the public. RSVP to Eventbrite so that we can keep tabs on expected head count. Contact Gail at g.sklodowska@lwvmilwaukee.org for more information. | |
The ReproWarriors are gearing up for Community Outreach this spring--fall at festivals, farmers markets, etc. Want to participate in these fun, joyous, family-friendly events which serve to Get Out the Vote and educate the public?
Contact April Hartman to be included on the email distribution list. You can sign up to volunteer for shifts when you are available - typically weekends. | | | |
We need your help to build the “Garland of Choice” to surround the state capital with thousands of colorful ribbons and constituent messages to bring this issue to the attention of our representatives. The elimination of government interference in our choices and affordable access to contraception, IVF, and abortion healthcare still matter! |  |
Linda Laarman Named LWVMC VP-Organization
Linda Laarman was nominated to fill Nancy Maloney's vacancy as VP of Organization at the March 11 Board Meeting. She was unanimously approved for the position. Past-President Nancy stepped down as VP-Organization due to recent mobility issues (new knees coming soon!)
President Peg Schrader said, "Linda brings a wealth of experience and expertise to this role, and we are fortunate to have her on the team!"
During her time in the League, Linda has engaged in voter registration work and co-chaired the Police Accountability and Community Safety Task Force. She currently co-chairs the Medicaid/FoodShare Task Force and is a member of Observer Corps and the Fund Development Committee. | Deadline March 22: Applications for the Nominating Committee
With the LWVMC year nearing the end, this year’s Nominating Committee’s work will soon be finished. However, that means there are three open positions available to LWVMC members for the 2026/2027 Nominating Committee, including the Chair. The Committee is seeking applicants who are interested in having a role in determining which League leaders continue to move the League forward. Applicants can be either self-nominated or nominated by another person with the applicant's approval.
The primary purpose of the Nominating Committee is to recruit candidates for open officer and board positions. Nominating Committee members communicate with all members, review the applications that are submitted, and recommend a slate of qualified candidates to the Board to be voted on by the membership at the Annual Meeting. A link to the Charter of the Nominating Committee is attached. The deadline to submit an application is Sunday, March 22nd.
If you are interested in being part of this important Committee, please contact me, Mike Kloehn, Nominating Committee Chair atm.kloehn@lwvmilwaukee.org or (904) 200-7815. | | We are gearing up for the Third Annual Silent Auction to be held at this year’s Annual Meeting (date TBD) and are looking for a few people to join our auction team. Your involvement can include all or just one of the following activities:
- Solicit donations.
- Offer your home as a drop off location for donated items and bring them to the meeting site.
- Work at the auction: Set up the donated items, gather the auction bid sheets and notify the winners, collect payments and distribute the items.
- Send thank you notes to donors.
If you have limited time but want to contribute to the League, this is a great opportunity for you. Your participation will be invaluable in helping us reach our fundraising goal with all proceeds going to support the League’s work empowering voters and defending democracy! Please contact Lorna Grade at l.grade@lwvmilwaukee.org |  |
LGBTQ+
A recent report highlights how a proposed federal rule could weaken protections for LGBTQ+ youth in the foster care system, an issue that resonates deeply for advocates in Milwaukee and across Wisconsin. The proposal would eliminate a 2024 policy that required states to ensure foster placements are safe and affirming for young people regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. Child welfare advocates warn that removing these protections could make it harder for LGBTQ+ youth to find supportive homes and increase the risk of discrimination within the foster system. Supporters of the rollback argue the earlier rule limited participation by some prospective foster parents with religious objections. Advocates counter that the foster system must prioritize the well-being and safety of children, especially those who already face higher rates of rejection and instability. The federal government is currently accepting public comments on the proposal, giving community members an opportunity to weigh in on how foster care policies should protect young people.
Source: Proposed rule could remove foster care protections for LGBTQ+ youth. |
To stay informed about legislation affecting the LGBTQ+ community and track advocacy efforts, visit Fair Wisconsin’s Bills to Watch page:
https://fairwisconsin.com/bills-to-watch
To identify and contact your state legislators and relevant committee members, use MyVote Wisconsin: https://myvote.wi.gov
Speaking up matters.
LGBTQ+ ... All Letters Matter!
|  | | FUTURE LOCAL CLIMATE EVENTS
April 8, 8:15am light breakfast; 9-10:15am, Program-Data Centers and the Energy-Water Nexus. Professor David Strifling, Director, Water Law and Policy Initiative Marquette University and Art Harrington, Adjunct Professor of Law and Of Counsel at Godfrey & Kahn, S.C., will co-moderate a conversation with:
Tom Content, Executive Director, Citizens Utility Board of Wisconsin
Cheryl Nenn, Riverkeeper, Milwaukee Riverkeeper
Kate Phillips, Senior Corporate Counsel, WEC Energy Group
Register here.
Apr. 8, 6 pm City of Milwaukee ECO Office Public Input Opportunity
Now that new EV registrations exceed 100 per month across the County, you can share your thoughts about moving forward with electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. Join the public meeting on April 8th at 6pm at the Washington Park Urban Ecology Center or use this link.
April 11, 10am-12:30pm- Data, Dollars, & Our Health: A Community Earth Month Forum with Tom Content, Executive Director, Citizens Utility Board; Jodi Habush-Sinykin, WI State Senator, District 8; Anne O’Connor, Milwaukee County Supervisor, District 1. Co-sponsors with the League are Healthy Climate Wisconsin and the Wisconsin Lung Association.
ADDRESSING CLIMATE CHANGE IN MILWAUKEE COUNTY
Nov. 22, 2025 - LWVMC program, Addressing Climate Change in Milwaukee County - Find Video and Slides of this informative event here. Spread word of this still-relevant information with others.
REPORTS
Bill McKibben on Trump’s Climate Rollbacks: “This Is Economic Self-Sabotage” - A sober 18-minute MUST-WATCH, that illuminates an array of negative effects due to the rollbacks.
How much of your monthly power bill goes directly toward corporate profits? Check this easy-to-use electric bill calculator for an estimate
|  |
Milwaukee’s Food Apartheid
The Medicaid/FoodShare Task Force was formed to study the effects of new requirements in the One Big Beautiful Bill that impact Milwaukee County residents enrolled in Wisconsin Medicaid and FoodShare and to determine what action the Task Force and League can take to mitigate the harmful effects of those requirements. As a result of its study and collaborative work with individuals and community organizations, the Task Force has determined it will include working against “food apartheid” in Milwaukee as part of its mission.
The term “food desert” has been used to describe areas lacking physical access to affordable, healthy food. Because a desert is a naturally occurring phenomenon, a “food desert” implies that low access to food in a specific area is a natural or inevitable outcome of market forces. This does not accurately describe the situation in Milwaukee where there is intentional, systemic and racial inequality in marginalized neighborhoods (predominantly black neighborhoods on the north side) that has created inequitable food environments. The term “food apartheid” is now used by government and community organizations to better describe the situation in Milwaukee.
We will explore food apartheid in Milwaukee more fully in future articles, outline the community and government response, and offer possible action items for League members. | Medicaid Task Force Action Call
Ask your Senators to join the growing list of co-sponsors on the School Hunger Elimination Act and the Nutrition Red Tape Reduction Act. The School Hunger Elimination Act (S.4525) increases federal funding for community eligibility schools, creates a statewide community eligibility option, improves direct certification, and provides retroactive reimbursement for meals served to children who are certified for free or reduced price meals later in the school year.
Join the Wisconsin Healthy School Meals For All! Coalition
| WISN Hosts SCOW Debate March 25
The date for the only scheduled debate between the two Wisconsin Supreme Court candidates in this spring’s election has been set for March 25.
WISN-TV (Channel 12) will host the 7 p.m. debate between Democratic-backed Appeals Court Judge Chris Taylor and Republican-backed Appeals Court Judge Maria Lazar at the Lubar Center in Marquette University Law School’s Eckstein Hall.
“This debate will bring clarity to the candidates’ judicial philosophies, going beyond the campaign ads and an increasingly polarized environment,” Shawn Oswald, president and general manager of WISN 12, said in a statement to the station. “Viewers can expect insightful questions, honest answers, and important dialogue to ensure they’re informed before going to the ballot box.”
The debate will be moderated by WISN journalists Matt Smith and Gerron Jordan. It will be broadcast live and also livestreamed on wisn.com and on the station’s streaming app.
|  | The Observer Corp is still in need of volunteers. These commitments are only about 1 hour of time per month, and most can be done from home.
NEEDS:
· Common Council Committee Meetings (watch recording from home)
· Transportation & Transit Committee Meetings (watch recording from home)
· Intergovernmental Cooperation Council (need a volunteer to attend in person)
If you can help please contact Robyn Furger, r.furger@lwvmilwaukee.org
Our next meeting is March 20th at 4pm via zoom, email for link. | Be Prepared for the April 7, 2026 Election | | Online voter registration ended March 18th, but...
There is still time to register to vote in the April 7th election.
You can register at an early in-person voting site or on election day.
Visit myvote.wi.gov now to find out all about the April election:
- View a sample ballot
- Your polling location
- Update your address if you've moved
| | | City of Milwaukee Residents: Click here to find the drop box locations and click here to find information on early voting.
Milwaukee County residents: Call your city clerks or check your city's website to find out more details. | | A VARIETY OF OPPORTUNITIES FOLLOW |  | Thank You!
Your Calls Are Making A Difference
The number of "no response" candidates in contested races fell from 74 to 58 from March 1st through March 11th, a 22% decrease. Thank you to all League members who responded to Anita Gulotta-Connelley’s email, called their candidates, and asked them to answer the League’s questions. Our thanks to Anita for leading this effort!
There is still work to be done. Here's how you can help increase candidate participation in the VOTE411 online voter guide:
1) Access your personal Ballot on VOTE411,
2) Enter your address and click on “Submit,”
3) Did your Spring candidates respond to the League questions on VOTE411?
If your local candidates have not answered the League’s questions, you can contact them and tell them you want to learn about where they stand on issues in our community. Here is a sample script you can use in a phone call, a text, or an email to the candidates:
1) If your candidate(s) has answered our questions, thank them.
Thank you for responding to LWVMC’s VOTE411’s Voter Guide so that voters can be informed before casting their votes.
2) If your candidate(s) has NOT answered our questions, call on them to do so.
As voters, we want to hear where our candidates stand on the issues. That’s why I am calling on you to respond to LWVMC’s VOTE411’s Voter Guide so that we can be informed before casting our ballots. If you haven’t received our invitation, check your SPAM folder before contacting Sue Leister at voterguide@lwvmilwaukee.org to request that she resend your invitation.
| |
Candidate Forum Volunteers Needed!
This is local democracy in action! Volunteers are needed for easy tasks: sorting audience question cards and timing the candidate responses. Two volunteers needed for a forum in Greenfield on March 25th. Please contact forum coordinator Peggy Creer, p.creer@lwvmilwaukee.org.
| Community Outreach Volunteers Needed
To the Voter Service Community Outreach Volunteer Team: Thank you for your work!
As we move into this busy election year, there are growing volunteer opportunities waiting for all: Sherman Park-Black Family Wellness Expo; Owens Place; Rock the Green; Tuesdays from 9-4 to staff a table at MATC; help at libraries and community events; Marquette University. Please click here to sign up. |  |  | The League’s Unite & Rise 8.5 nonviolent, pro-democracy campaign believes religious leaders have significant authority to either support or push back against governments as has been shown in countries around the world such as Poland and the Philippines in the 1980s, as well as countries in Central America and Africa. The Interfaith Conference of Milwaukee is sponsoring a series of 5 Tuesday lectures in March that addresses the call to “Raise our Moral Voice” here in Milwaukee. You can attend one or all of the lectures, in person or online and register at Interfaith Conference. | The 5 Tuesdays in March weekly Interfaith Conference presentations on “Faith and Civic Life: Raising Our Moral Voice” reinforce the League’s Unite & Rise efforts to stand up to authoritarianism and unconstitutional actions.
The March 3rd presentation by First Unitarian Society pastor Jennifer Nordstrom addressed the rising threat of autocracy in the U.S. and how faith communities play a crucial role in combating fear stoked by authoritarians. She noted religious communities excel at providing a unifying “vision of tomorrow” grounded in shared values. She encouraged the practice of non-cooperation, particularly to “not obey in advance” when threats are made for actions citizens may take to ensure their rights, and to work in blocs to develop the capacity to mobilize rapidly.
On March 10th, Rev. Demetrius Williams, pastor of Community Baptist Church and a professor at UWM, spoke of the power of social media to amplify emotions (particularly hate) and to increase disconnection. He provided practical steps for finding common ground in our shared humanity, by listening to one another’s stories, and forming micro-connections (with other people) and macro-connections (with like-minded groups) to work toward the common good.
Community and collaboration with like-minded organizations is the common theme. Find your own religious, grassroots or nonprofit organization (like LWVMC!) to do the work required now to defend our democracy.
|  | Yes! Protest Rallies are Happening During the Winter
Why do protests matter?
Visible resistance is essential so the government and its supporters see the number of citizens who don’t agree with their actions. Nonviolent visible protest activity encourages those sitting on the sidelines to join in.
Here is the link to the listing of ongoing weekly protests: Protest Rallies | | Mark Your Calendars:
No Kings III
March 28, 2026
Washington Park
12-1 Community Fair
1-1:30 Rally
1:30 March | | | Stop by the League of Women Voters photo op space and table during the Community Fair. Have your image taken with your sign or messages of your choice to commemorate the day.
Over 10,000 people are expected at this venue but there are other venues to choose from throughout Milwaukee and Waukesha counties. You can find all the opportunities at NO KINGS. | |
Tell Legislators What We Want!
at No Kings, Washington Park
March 28, 11:30-1:00
The Unite & Rise team will be walking throughout the crowd at No Kings III asking people to complete postcards telling our legislators what we want and…don’t want. Then we’ll present them with ceremony at the legislators’ offices.
We need people to help. You’ll be done in time to listen to the speeches and to march. Contact Donna Spars at d.spars@lwvmilwaukee.org. | Donor-Advised Fund (DAF)
Do you have a donor advised fund (DAF)? If you are considering changes to your charitable giving and you don’t have a donor advised fund, ask your financial advisor if this might be the right time for you to set up a donor advised fund (DAF). They can be set up for you by the Greater Milwaukee Foundation, by the Waukesha Community Foundation, and by many brokerage firms. | | League Cafe will meet at 10:00 am on Friday, March 27th at the East Side Library for general discussion of current issues. This is a good opportunity to connect with other League members, and we always have plenty to discuss.
Our next book to be discussed on April 24th, is “James” by Percival Everett. (Also 10:00 am at the East Side Library.) Please join us! |  |  | | Now is the Time…to become part of a community of white women who…
· are determined to do something about racism in our country,
· don’t want to do this work alone,
· won’t sit back at this pivotal moment of our country’s history and do nothing,
· see a need to transform their thoughts and attitudes toward racism and to act to dismantle the racism in our society.
Our journey begins in June, 2026. Please click here to learn more about the program and to find a group.
Several members of LWVMC have participated and can be contacted as references for this amazing opportunity.
· Mary Sussman m.sussman@lwvmilwaukee.org
· Mary Ellen Spicuzza me.spicuzza@lwvmilwaukee.org
· Gail Sklodowska g.sklodowska@lwvmilwaukee.org |  | |
In celebration of Women’s History Month, members of Governor Tony Evers’ majority-woman cabinet will host two panel discussions highlighting the future of Wisconsin’s economy, workforce, and thriving communities.
These events will bring together leaders from across Wisconsin to celebrate the contributions of women and to explore how policy, leadership, and collaboration can help build a stronger future for our state.
The Future of Women and Wisconsin’s Thriving Communities
March 24, 2026
10:00 am – 11:30 am
Concordia 27, Milwaukee
Panelists:
- Kathy Blumenfeld, Secretary, Wisconsin Department of Administration
- Kirsten Johnson, Secretary, Wisconsin Department of Health Services
- Karen Hyun, Secretary, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
- Amy Pechacek, Secretary, Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development
- Leana Nakielski Mesdjian, Deputy Director, Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority
The event is open to the public. For additional information and to register, please contact DOACommunications@Wisconsin.gov
We hope you will join us for these important conversations during Women’s History Month. | Lots of Ways to Support Local Democracy and Your League. Thank You! | Follow us on Social Media! | You have received this message from the mailing list of League of Women Voters of Milwaukee County. If you would prefer not to receive these emails in the future, go to the opt-out page and modify your privacy settings. You can also request to be removed from our database completely. | |